Pacific Beat

Papua New Guinea is facing challenges as it tackles its low vaccination rate with many businesses and government departments beginning to mandate the vaccine. But it's also seeing attacks on health workers on the ground in communities.

As the global COP26 climate talks near their end, two Pacific youth climate activists reflect on the summit and their time in Glasgow.

The US territory of Guam has successfully removed dozens of shipwrecks that littered its waters. But these abandoned ships are common across the Pacific and pose a health and environmental hazard for many communities. Now, several communities are urging authorities to follow Guam's lead and clean up their shipwreck graveyards.

Australian-trained chef Julz Henao is travelling around Papua New Guinea promoting local food and vegetables. His mission comes as experts warn malnutrition rates are getting worse during the pandemic.

Experts believe the spat between Australia and France's leader over a cancelled submarine contract will not have a long-term implications for the political and economic stability in the Pacific.

As the UN climate talks, COP26, reach the half way mark, climate change expert Tagaloa Cooper-Halo says "fatigue is starting kick in" amongst Pacific negotiators, and Tahiti beats Vanuatu to win hosting rights of the 2027 Pacific Games.

Australia's Fair Work Commission has ruled that workers picking fruit on a piece rate must be guaranteed a minimum wage under the Horticulture Award. The ruling will include Pacific seasonal workers but advocates say more needs to be done to protect workers from exploitation.

There is a call from some in Australia's Tongan community for people who can't get back to the Kingdom for the national election on November 18 to be allowed to cast their vote in Australia.

Health workers in Papua New Guinea are pleading with women not to fall pregnant as the country battles its COVID-19 crisis.

Health workers in Papua New Guinea are pleading with women not to fall pregnant, as the country battles its COVID-19 crisis; Tonga's community in Australia call for overseas voting as the kingdom heads into elections.